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World number 19 Daria Kasatkina stated she is at her "limit" and has decided to end her competitive year early, labeling the demanding schedule as "excessive, psychologically and personally."

The 28-year-old changed her nationality from the Russian Federation to the Australian nation in the month of March, after voiced concerns regarding her home country's LGBTQ+ regulations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Her performance suffered for form throughout the season, failing to secure a title and concluding with a win-loss tally of 19-21.

Kasatkina attributed the emotional stress from her change of citizenship as a significant factor to her challenges, which involve not visiting with her father for four years.

She expressed in a lengthy statement: "I've been far from fine for a long time and, truth be told, my on-court showings show that."

"I am at breaking point and sadly I am in the same boat as others," she added.

"Combine the mix the psychological pressure related to my citizenship change and there is only so much I can deal with and endure as an individual woman."

"If this makes me weak, then I accept it, I'm weak," she remarked.

"However, I know I am strong and will get stronger by being away and restoring my energy."

"The moment has come I heeded my own needs for a change."

Fellow Athletes Also Halting Their Years Prematurely

Former top-five players Elina Svitolina and Badosa similarly ended their seasons early in the past few weeks.

Ukraine's Svitolina mentioned she had "not felt like myself", while Badosa has spoken about the psychological impact of an persistent spinal issue.

Other players have voiced concerns about the effect of the tennis calendar.

A quintet of competitors withdrew due to injury in a pair of events in China recently, with six-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek commenting the competitive year is "excessively lengthy and demanding."

WTA Regulations and Player Issues

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) requires for top players to compete in every Grand Slam, 10 WTA 1000 events and six secondary competitions.

The bulk of premier tournaments on the WTA and men's ATP Tour last two weeks, as do each of the Grand Slams.

Players can skip required tournaments if they are injured or have personal reasons, but they will not get any points for the standings or financial rewards if they do not play.

Former world number one Novak Djokovic, who has slimmed down his schedule in lately to protect his body, has urged players to be better aligned in forcing change.